CHAPTER 9 : DREAMS OF LIBERTY REALISED

The morning was pleasant and soon they arrived at the appointed meeting place, they were the first. They tied up the horses and sat in the sun on fallen trees overlooking the road.

Humphrey enjoyed the company. Knowing that Arthur was safe; he no longer worried about him. He'd been brave and he could only say complimentary things about the prince's behaviour. His mind switched to the knights who had accompanied them, now obviously dead and he mourned them as he had, over the years, had dealings with them.

He smiled at Merlin. It seemed fitting that he and Gawaine were the ones to find the two of them. Retelling of their captivity in no way could explain their feelings as day after day they had been unable to do anything for themselves. He knew, they should both be dead but for the lucky chance of his finding the metal and Arthur's ability to find food. He slipped his hand into his pocket and fingered the small object. He intended to keep it as a reminder of how perseverance had paid off.

Arthur smiled to himself. He was free of those awful bindings and by moving his foot six inches, he was able to touch Merlin's leg and he turned and smiled at him. Looking back, he wondered if he would have been able to cope as well seeing Merlin collared and roped across the cowshed. He flashed back to Cave Two and the utter despair, as he lay tied while realising over whom the men were arguing and what the victor intended to do to Merlin. Apart from that brute Dirk and his ineffective mauling, he had been spared that.

He looked at Gawaine and realised that once again he had been there when he was most needed. Would his father ever consider welcoming him into the Camelot brotherhood?

Merlin picked up on advancing horsemen, he strained his eyes but there were too many to make any sense.

Suddenly, he realised that the number of horses didn't match the number of riders. Sir Leon rode in front and Gielbert brought up the rear and between them they had six horses.

Sir Leon squinted into the sun when he realised that there were four men on the hill. He cantered forward, jumped off and put his arms around Arthur. "Thank God, you're safe!" He walked over to Humphrey and shook his hand, "You don't know how glad I am to see the two of you."

Arthur said, "Well, you can thank Gawaine and Merlin." He smiled and said, "Have you been trying to outdo the Master of the Horse when he goes out to buy horses?"

"You can thank Gielbert for this. He kept asking about horses wherever he stopped and finally a man in an alehouse mentioned that his brother a farmer had been stuck with horses which he had agreed to feed and for which he had never been paid, as the man had never returned for them."

Gielbert continued, "I told him that I might be interested in them and would be willing to cover his brother's expenses for feed and for looking after them so well," he smiled and winked. "Anyway to make a long story short, the farmer was only too happy to get rid of them with all their tack. We stayed there overnight and paid him handsomely for their care and the meals which his good wife gave us. So, here they are, Camelot horses on their way home again."

Arthur suddenly said, "Where's Mulgan?"

"Evan has him and they should be back soon. Thierry is going to be happy to see you safe and sound."

Sure enough as they were discussing Arthur's imprisonment, more horses arrived, one of them Mulgan who upon seeing Gidun called out to him. Merlin laughed and shoved his knee into Arthur's and said, "And poor you, you always thought that Mulgan loved you best, now we know the truth."

Arthur turned on him, pushing him back and Merlin lost his balance and fell backwards off the log. Arthur turned quickly to haul him back but pain speared his side and he grunted. Merlin scrambled upright and laughed saying, "Arthur, you deserved that, treating a poor manservant with such indifference but are you alright?"

"It's just every now and again, the pain catches me."

"Sound like your ribs, Sire, maybe you cracked one of them."

Arthur smiled saying, "Thank you, Humphrey. Just what I need to be reminded about, facing a five day ride back home."

Under the ensuing laughter, Merlin managed to whisper, "...shame, Arthur, as you had planned such a wonderful homecoming!"

To which Arthur managed to counter, "Don't count me down and out yet, my Love!"

Thierry and Evan shared good news of their own. Thierry explained that in the village where they had stayed overnight, two suspicious characters had been caught trying to flog a chest of high quality clothes and were jailed. "I was able to secure the contents of the chest and Evan here, packed what was undamaged in our saddle bags, so at least you've got a choice of clothes to wear when we hopefully meet up with Sir Rupert."

"My red leather jacket...?"

"Yes, Sire, tunics, boots and the like."

They decided that they would leave immediately and Evan took charge of all the extra horses and soon had them sorted out and causing little trouble. Arthur mounted Mulgan with little more than a slight grimace and settled thankfully into the saddle.

Thierry suggested that they follow the more travelled path with the opportunities of eateries and ale houses.

Gawaine loudly seconded the idea. "No reason to deny ourselves a little of the hard stuff, now that we have saved the Crown Prince and his manservant!"

Humphrey agreed that it might be nice to sleep on a cot or bed for a change.

They made their way, chatting and catching up on things. They agreed to sit down and discuss the events over supper that night. Leon and Thierry rode together as they discussed sending word ahead to Sir Rupert that the prince had been found and they were returning with him.

Gielbert and Gawaine each rode a horse while leading an extra one while Evan was leading two extra horses. Arthur felt sad realising the horses would make it back to Camelot but the elderly knights, their riders would not.

They picked up bread, apples, sausages and cider from a little market town and took a short break for the horses to rest.

Humphrey and Arthur's eyes lit up when they saw the food, "See!" Merlin said, "Absence really does make the heart grow fonder' and for his smart remark, he was affectionately clouted across the back of the head.

He turned, Arthur was laughing and put his hand around his shoulder and said quietly "...and not only for food."

"Sire, I assure you, you have a one track mind!"

During lunch, Gielbert suggested that he ride ahead to intercept Sir Rupert's party. Arthur could tell that Leon and Thierry would both have preferred to have done it but they agreed that it was safer if they stayed with the prince.

Arthur then suggested that Thierry and Gielbert should go. "I will still have Leon, Gawaine and Merlin with me. Humphrey is better traveling slowly. We've got Evan so we can cope with the extra horses and you two could cover more distance than we could as a group.

Evan left to get their horses and as Gielbert and Thierry mounted, Arthur said, "Get word to Gaius that we are safe..." Half of Arthur wanted to go with them but the pain in his side reminded him that it was easier for him to take it slowly for a couple of days. They'd meet up with Sir Rupert a little later.

Once they had left, the remaining six sat around in a circle and Arthur started to tell them about the first couple of days with the knights. He mentioned the frequent 'nature calls' and had the others smiling. However, they became serious as he spoke about the attack, the suddenness and his feeling of absolute shock. He mentioned their three captives and brought them up to the point when Evan had escaped.

Leon said, "We can finish this later, I think we should get on our way if we want to reach the inn by nightfall."

They mounted and kept up a steady pace and late in the afternoon they came upon a village and an inn.

Accommodation was meagre but the two knights were satisfied with the common dormitory and there was space there for Humphrey and Evan but the latter said that he would prefer to sleep in the stables and keep an eye on the horses.

Leon arranged for Arthur to have his own private room. He knew he would be happier with Merlin and would benefit from the added attention.

Again after their meal, they sat around discussing the events of the last ten days. Evan told Arthur and Humphrey how it had taken him three days of solid riding to get back to Camelot and Mulgan had taken him to the steps in the courtyard which was good as Sir Leon recognising the horse had come down immediately.

Leon then took over and explained the preparations and the king's decision that they leave at first light and their meeting up with Merlin and then later Gawaine. Slowly the story was pieced together.

Arthur said that it had been a long day and he was ready to turn in. They all left except Gawaine who was eyeing a barmaid. Leon said, "One hour and then I'm coming down to drag you back upstairs, successful or not! We've got an early start tomorrow."


They went their separate ways and Merlin and Arthur found out that their room was comfortable and private. Merlin had arranged for hot water to be sent up. After he had helped Arthur undress, he washed and medicated all the rope burns. He checked him over carefully and agreed with what Humphrey had said about a cracked rib.

"Did you fall?"

"No, it was probably from a kick? Well, I can lie on my right side or my back so I'm fine."

"Sire, is it your wish that I sleep on the floor tonight?"

"Stop being silly, Merlin. What's the use of having a bed-servant if he sleeps on the floor?"

Merlin couldn't stop grinning. Arthur had never forgotten that slip of his tongue.

"You may sleep quietly beside me. Nota bene, the key word is quietly!"

"Which side?"

"Surely, you can decide that by yourself!"

Arthur got onto the bed gingerly and lay on his back and Merlin eased himself slowly onto the bed, pulled up the blankets and lay back contemplating the reflections which the fire made on the rafters. He surprised himself as he was relaxed and quite happy; Arthur was safe and within arm's length. He moved his feet so that he could find Arthur's.

"Ow! You really should warn me before you do that. You could give me a heart attack, your feet are like ice."

"But my heart is warm."

"I want to talk to you."

"Go ahead, I can hear you fine."

"Merlin stop being silly, turn and face me..."

"...but what about your rib."

"I said face, not jump me. Be nice, I've missed you so much. There were days when you were on my mind and I kept praying that you would hear me when I spoke to you. I waited and waited and felt sure that no one, not even you, knew what had happened and then...in the stream...you reached for my hand. I thought that my heart was going to burst as I knew it was you."

"So, you promptly fell over."

"I did not! I slipped on the wet rocks as I was turning towards you."

Merlin shifted on his hip and lay facing Arthur. "I did hear you. I panicked, I went racing to Gaius but Evan had already arrived...and then Uther wouldn't let me go with Leon. For one moment, I felt as if he had ripped out my heart...Gaius said that I should get ready anyway and take Mulgan and wait for the others and if Sir Leon was agreeable to my joining them I should go ahead. Whatever have I done to make the king hate me so much? Am I despicable? You don't think so Arthur, do you?"

"Merlin, come here... Carefully! You are the least despicable person whom I have ever met. I often wonder if on one level my father is jealous of you. You are there with me nearly all the time. I know, that at one time he was very jealous of Gaius. He can't help it, he's really insecure about relationships."

"...but you're not are you, Arthur?"

Arthur didn't say a word he just reached for Merlin and ever so carefully showed him just how secure, he was in their love.


Next morning, the extra horses were shuffled among the remaining riders. Before leaving, Leon enquired about the next inn and was told that it was an easy day's ride south on this road.

A barmaid came out and slipped Gawaine a packet of food, "Enough lunch for all of you!" He grinned and blew her a kiss as he left.

It was an easy ride and by late afternoon, they saw the village ahead of them. They made their way slowly to the inn and Leon took care of the arrangements. Evan once again insisted that he preferred to remain with the horses overnight.

Arthur was determined that Evan's sense of responsibility and trust, his ability to take orders and seize opportunities would be well rewarded when they got home. He had yet to mention killing the captor but Arthur had noticed a worried look on his face at certain times during the discussions. He intended to mention it outright and remove any worry that Evan had of having done wrong.

Supper was glorious, served in a private room, with a blazing fire. To Gawaine's delight, the cider flowed freely and after the meal Arthur took the opportunity in front of everyone to thank Evan for his quick thinking and initiative. He assured him that by dispatching the captor, he had enabled the rescue wheels to be set in motion. Evan looked relieved, he didn't feel comfortable eating with the prince and the knights but Arthur had insisted that they ate together at every meal. What his wife and fellow grooms would think about that, he couldn't hazard a guess...?


Thierry and Gielbert had ridden hard and spent the night sleeping rough. At dawn, they left continuing southwest. They expected to be on the road for maybe two more days, sleeping wherever they were when it became too dark to ride and buying food in villages. They stayed on the road which led from Gower to Camelot as they knew that was Sir Rupert's planned route.

Late one afternoon, they arrived in a village and decided to stay overnight at an inn. There were a few horses tied up outside and Gielbert's horse called to them. Suddenly, it dawned on him, they had met up with Sir Rupert's men. Gielbert dismounted and throwing his reins at Thierry, he ran immediately into the inn and saw Romney and Brian at a table with other knights.

"We have him!"

Romney and the others turned, relief flooding their faces. "Thank God! Is he alright?"

"Yes, bruised and sore but both of them are alive! Where's Sir Rupert?"

"He's back in camp." Rook said, "He gave us the evening off to relax, it's been a rough ride. Everyone's nerves are on end. We'll go back with you right now."

There was much back patting and hand shaking as they left the room. Everyone was relieved and happy. The only sad face belonged to the innkeeper as he realised his takings for that evening were going to be lower than he had expected when he first saw the four knights walk in. Rodney threw an extra handful of coins on their table and the man's expression lifted a bit.

The camp was only ten minutes away and Sir Brian cantered over to alert Sir Rupert. As the others made their way, Thierry explained that he would like to report to Rupert first and then they could discuss what had happened.

Romney rode next to Gielbert. "Was the place hard to find them?"

"Well, actually Merlin and Gawaine managed that."

"Merlin and Gawaine? But the king refused to allow Merlin to go. I was with him...and how in hell did Gawaine get involved?"

"All in good time," smiled Gielbert, "I'm just glad it's all over and he's safe..."

"Did any message ever come from the king in Gower?"

"We haven't met anyone yet."

Gielbert's eyes lit up as he saw Sir Rupert. He thought, 'Arthur, you're closer to getting home.'

Sir Rupert was pleased to see them. It had been a long haul but once he got the good news, he realised that it had been well worth all the worry. He explained that each morning, he'd sent another rider back to Camelot to report on their findings or as it happened the lack thereof. Tomorrow morning, a rider would be carrying news which would set everyone's mind at ease. He decided to keep Thierry with him and to send Romney and Gielbert back together. Gielbert had the information and the two of them as squires had been very involved with the young prince.

Now to get everyone safely back to Camelot and relieve the king and Gaius.


Merlin woke early and sighed happily when he realised that he was not alone. He tried not to wake Arthur and just snuggled closer to him.

How would he have coped if Arthur had not been found or worse if he had been found dead? He knew that they probably would not die together. That would be too much of a coincidence. One would have to leave the other. He loved Arthur, purely and simply, with a love which was strong and if anything getting deeper. He realised that just being together was rewarding. A glance at him, revitalised the depth of his love for him. He understood how old couples need few actions to demonstrate their love; their very existence together was the demonstration of it. He needed Arthur so much that even the idea of contemplating being the one who was left was frightening...

"Why the sad face, Merlin? I'm right here. Maybe not as hale and hearty as you might have wished...but it's me!"

Merlin smiled, "Just your being here is all I need. I hated trying to go to sleep not knowing where you were or what was happening to you. My mind caused all sorts of crazy dreams and I would wake feeling more tired than when I lay down. Honestly, Arthur, when I came down the hill along the stream and saw the clearing and you, I thought that my heart might stop as it suddenly seemed to grown too big and every fibre in my body was screaming but I had no voice and knew that only by touching you would it ever come back."

"The funniest thing is that when you took my hand, energy seemed to spread through me. I knew before I turned that nothing bad was going to happen as only one person had that physical effect when he touches me and that is you, my Love."

Arthur blew the hair on Merlin's forehead and put his arm over him only to cringe. Merlin worried, looked up but Arthur was smiling again. "Maybe Gaius will be able to tape me up to relieve the pain..."

"Think it would be better for you to let it heal naturally. But if you like, I can tear some clothes to make a bandage to give you a little support but that doesn't mean that you can go crazy either on Mulgan or in bed.

"When have I ever gone crazy in bed?"

"Sire, I have a feeling that you should not be embarrassing a retainer by asking him to rate his master's ability in such an activity!"

Arthur laughed and pulled Merlin closer, "...and this from the young man who led me astray with his persistence and ability."

"Hardly, I think we have Gaius's compendium to thank for that!"

Arthur murmured promising that one day in the near future, he might be asked to grade such a performance.

Merlin grinned and only had time to whisper, "I'll anticipate that with pleasure, Sir Knight!" before he was soundly kissed...